Supporting First Generation College Students

We encourage first-generation college students to pursue academically rigorous postsecondary educational experiences. We provide easy access to information and resources for students who are the first in their families to attend college.Read More

Our volunteers track down information useful to first-generation college students and update our website. We serve students, parents, organizations, and colleges and universities by offering easy access to a wide variety of resources in one convenient location.Read More

Our Opportunities and Our Challenges

An estimated 50 percent of the college population is comprised of people whose parents never attended college according to a 2010 study by the Department of Education. The National Center for Education Statistics indicates that 30 percent of all entering freshmen are first-generation college students.

First generation students are disadvantaged across a myriad of variables. According to the National Center of Education Statistics only 11 percent of students who begin at community colleges end up with bachelor’s degrees. Being a first generation college student is one of the most often cited predictors of higher education failure—a status that universally leads to lesser educational outcomes.

Past research has indicated that students whose parents have no education beyond high school are significantly less likely to graduate than peers whose parents have at least a bachelor’s degree. Nationally, 89 percent of low-income first-generation students leave college within six years without a degree. More than a quarter leave after their first year — four times the dropout rate of higher-income second-generation students. Only 6 percent of lowest income bracket have a bachelor’s degree, albeit, nearly 40% of highest income individuals do (Fitzgerald and Delaney, 2002).

First-generation students are more likely to forgo a college education, or when they do pursue post-secondary education, are older when they begin their studies, are more likely to work for compensation, and are less likely to feel supported at home. Ironically, students who are first in their families to attend college are less likely to avail themselves of support services and resources than their counterparts. They are less likely to enter competitive institutions, and, when they do, are more likely to be academically underprepared

Our Convictions

“To afford an unfettered start and a fair chance in the race of life.” Abraham Lincoln, 1861

“To open the gates of opportunity and create a society in which everyone has a chance to advance his welfare to the limit of his capacities.” Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965

Introduce the First Generation Friendly Campus Designation and initiatives;

Initiate corporate and community collaboration in support of initiatives;

Support first-generation students through scholarships and gifts;

Offer keynote addresses and convocation speakers;

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What We Do

We connect first-generation college students to colleges and universities and organizations dedicated to helping 1st Gen students succeed.

How We Do It

Our volunteers organize information for easy web access and convenient retrieval. We provide services, thrive on volunteers, and require financial donations to support first generation college students.

Why We Do It

We are first-generation college graduates. We had no one to turn to for career and college advice back when we needed advice.